WILLIE MULLINS has dropped a massive stable tour update featuring plans for all his biggest stars.
The Closutton boss outlined early season targets for the likes of Gaelic Warrior, Lossiemouth and Ballyburn.
Ballyburn will be aimed at the Stayers’ Hurdle this season, Willie Mullins has confirmed[/caption]
The former looks like heading to the King George Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day with his first spin of the season possibly coming in the John Durkan.
Mullins didn’t commit too much to Lossiemouth’s future – but a big clue perhaps came in his hint State Man will once again go for the Champion Hurdle.
Lossiemouth’s owner Rich Ricci said last season he wants Paul Townend on Lossiemouth.
And with his loyalty to State Man that made the awesome grey go down the Mares’ Hurdle route.
Mullins said: “Lossiemouth is in good shape and has come back good and strong.
“Our normal starting point is the Hatton’s Grace and she’s going to Cheltenham, all being well. That’s all I’ll commit to at this stage!”
There has been a change of plans for Ballyburn.
He flopped when odds on for the Brown Advisory last season and is all set to go back over hurdles.
The Stayers’ Hurdle will be his season-long aim.
Mullins told Sporting Life: “We’ve been doing a lot of thinking about Ballyburn and I think going back over hurdles might be the best option at this point of his career.
“He could always go back over fences again later on.
“He would look a really good prospect for the Stayers’ Hurdle and that’s the route I’m going down this year with him.
“There’s a possibility he might be ready for the Hatton’s Grace.”
More to follow.
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